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How to clean a stainless steel kitchen backsplash?

A stainless steel backsplash really looks great in a kitchen. But with fingerprint marks or stains, it immediately looks less appealing. That's why I've listed 9 simple and practical tips to clean a stainless steel backsplash.

For all those who have ordered or already own a brushed food-grade stainless steel backsplash, follow these tips for an expert clean!

Custom stainless steel backsplash

Why is stainless steel suitable for a kitchen backsplash?

Ideal in kitchens, stainless steel is a metal that has been used for years in the food industry but especially in professional kitchens. Resistant to oxidation, this material has become in recent years a true star of kitchens for protecting walls from all kinds of splashes.

Trendy and, moreover, hygienic, stainless steel will make a statement in your kitchen as well as in your living space depending on your needs. Despite all these advantages, stainless steel remains a metal that shows marks, but don't worry, I'm telling you everything to always have your range hood liner or backsplash sparkling!

⚠️ Important information: for all cleaning enthusiasts: no matter which method you use, you should always clean your stainless steel backsplash in the direction of the brushing!

How to clean a stainless steel backsplash with natural and household products?

Technique #1 – Soapy water

Mix a few drops of dish soap or soap with warm water. Soak a sponge with the soapy water and gently scrub your stainless steel backsplash. Dry to make it shine.

Warning: Never use the abrasive side (the green side) as it will cause scratches and oxidation marks (and yes, stainless steel can oxidize!)

Technique #2 – Vinegar, olive oil and dish soap mixture

Start by mixing white vinegar and water in equal parts. You can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Scrub with a soft cloth on your stainless steel backsplash, then wipe.

Technique #3 – Oil and lemon

Another food product mixture: a vinaigrette based on oil and lemon. This mixture effectively polishes your stainless steel backsplash.

Scrub your stainless steel with this vinaigrette and a soft cloth. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Technique #4 – White clay stone

The white stone is a multi-purpose cleaner. It can be applied to a wide variety of objects and materials. If you haven't guessed it yet, white clay also cleans stainless steel perfectly.

With a small sponge, scrub gently then rinse. To make the stainless steel shine, wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Technique #5 – Baking soda | 100% eco-friendly

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Scrub this mixture with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with warm water then dry with a microfiber cloth.

Technique #6 – Meudon White

Similar to baking soda, make a small paste with Meudon White and water. Scrub this mixture with a dry cloth on your stainless steel backsplash. Rinse everything with warm water and make it shine.

Technique #7 – Black soap

Black soap is a natural multi-purpose cleaner and 100% biodegradable. It is very effective for deep cleaning and making surfaces shine. A great reason to keep a jar at home!

Mix a capful or 1 tablespoon of black soap in 3L of water. You'll be able to clean your entire kitchen with this mixture!

Technique #8 – Marseille soap

Melt soap in warm water. Grab a sponge and clean your stainless steel backsplash. Immediately wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid marks.

Technique #9 – Glass cleaner

A product that every household has on hand is glass cleaner. Target the stains and clean your stainless steel backsplash as if it were a window. So use a soft cloth to scrub your kitchen backsplash.

Mistakes to avoid to preserve your stainless steel backsplash!

If you have a stainless steel backsplash in your kitchen, it is important to know which products to use and especially which to avoid when cleaning it. Using inappropriate products can cause scratches or even corrosion on your brushed stainless steel panel.

Here are the products to absolutely avoid:

Abrasive sponge: scouring sponges are too abrasive and risk causing scratches on your stainless steel backsplash.
Bleach: bleach and other disinfectants are corrosive and can damage the surface of your backsplash.
Powder products: powder cleaning products are also abrasive and risk causing micro-scratches.
Pure limescale remover: using a pure limescale remover can cause damage to the surface of your stainless steel backsplash.
Pure white vinegar: although white vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, it is too aggressive for stainless steel and can cause damage.
Pure acidic products: like vinegar, pure acidic products are also too aggressive for stainless steel and can cause damage. However, diluted in water, they can be used safely.
Super concentrated stain removers: super concentrated stain removers are often too powerful and risk causing damage to the surface of your stainless steel backsplash.

Warning: Read the instructions on your product carefully before using it!

Need more information about food-grade stainless steel items in a kitchen? This article should interest you:

Posted in: Metal advice, Backsplash advice

Author: John Steel

John Steel is the expert voice of the workshop, specializing in custom-cut metal and DIY projects. With extensive expertise in machining and laser cutting stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, Corten, and brass sheet metal, he provides makers, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts with practical tutorials, technical comparisons, and custom design advice. Whether designing a stainless steel kitchen splashback, an aluminium privacy screen, or a specific mechanical part, John shares his technical knowledge to ensure metalworking is accessible, precise, and durable for the Steelsters community.

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By: Tjark Tilberis On 2015-11-27

pratique ! merci :)
By: CATANIA On 2015-08-12

Pouvez vous effectuer des pièces ronde type couvercle ou couronne.
Merci

Jean-Yves CATANIA
Client

Replied by: John Steel On 2015-08-14 Bonjour Jean-Yves,

On ne fait pas d'usinage, que de la découpe laser. Si vous voulez tout de même une pièce ronde avec une épaisseur égale partout, vous pouvez utiliser notre service de découpe en ligne John Steel Pro. Tout ce dont vous avez besoin, c'est un plan DXF :

https://pro.john-steel.com/

Cordialement,

Brigitte